Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District (HVLCSD) is committed to providing safe, reliable drinking water. One important way we protect the community's water supply is by preventing contamination caused by cross-connections and backflow.

State regulations require HVLCSD to maintain a Cross-Connection Control Program, but protecting drinking water is a shared responsibility with you, our customers. Understanding how cross-connections occur and how to prevent them helps keep our water safe for everyone.

In compliance with the State Water Resources Control Board’s Cross-Connection Control Policy, the District has implemented a Cross-Connection Control Program and evaluates water services for potential cross-connection hazards.

What is a Cross-Connection?

A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between a potable water supply and a non-potable source. If backflow occurs, these connections can allow contaminants to enter the public water system and affect water quality.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is the undesired reversal of flow of water, liquids, or gases into the public water system. There are two types of backflow: backpressure and backsiphonage.  

• Backpressure occurs when pressure within a property’s plumbing system becomes greater than the pressure of the public supply, causing water to flow in the reverse direction. An example could be a customers pump that pumps water at a higher pressure than the system.
• Backsiphonage occurs when pressure in the public water system drops, creating a vacuum effect that can pull water and contaminants backward into the system. An example could be water lost through a main break or a hit fire hydrant.

What is a Backflow Prevention Device?

A backflow prevention device is a mechanical device that prevents water from flowing backward into the public water system. By preventing backflow, these devices protect public drinking water against contaminants such as chemicals, debris, fertilizers, reclaimed water, and other pollutants. Backflow prevention devices are typically required to be installed on irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, commercial water meters, and other plumbing connections that could pose a risk to the drinking water supply.

Examples of backflow prevention devices include:

• Hose-bib vacuum breakers
• Anti-siphon irrigation valves
• Backflow prevention assemblies

Residential customers may need a backflow prevention device if your property has:

• An irrigation system
• A swimming pool or spa
• A fire sprinkler system
• A rainwater harvesting system
• A booster pump
• Equipment that injects chemicals or fertilizers into water

Common cross-connections on a residential property include:

• A garden hose submerged in a pool, pond, or bucket
• A hose-end chemical sprayer
• A hose directly connected to an irrigation system

Customer Responsibility

Property owners play an important role in protecting drinking water.

You can help by:

• Avoiding unprotected cross-connections
• Installing approved backflow prevention devices when required
• Having required backflow prevention devices tested on schedule
• Maintaining your plumbing and irrigation systems
• Contacting HVLCSD if you're unsure whether your property requires backflow protection

Questions?

If you have questions about cross-connections, backflow prevention devices, or testing requirements, please contact us!